There are Braxton Hicks contractions which a painless tightening of the uterus. And then there are real contractions which are painful. Both would be considered normal at this stage in pregnancy. When to know you are in labor: contractions become more painful/intense over time, get closer and closer together, and last 1 minute from start to finish. Sometimes this can be accompanied by bloody show.

a BabyCenter member

Answered
12/12/11

1 found this helpful

Yes a contraction is typcially an even tight feeling of the (most often) lower belly. It can be uncomfrotable to painful. But it is an even feeling all over it is not localized to just one side... A contraction can also be felt as a menstrual cramp or even a back pain if the baby is sunny side up (back labor) From how far along you are and what you are describing, it sure sounds like a contraction!

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